Super Bowl 2014: Kick-off time, live stream, NFL Honors, Puppy Bowl

More than 100 million TV viewers are expected to tune in to Super Bowl 2014.

FOX

Football fans love everything about the Super Bowl, so the networks have lined up a strong TV schedule of specials leading up to the big game, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. EST on FOX. As posted by SB Nation on Feb. 1, “You’re not going to want to show up late for this one.” That’s because anything can happen early when the country’s #1 offense (Denver Broncos) takes on the #1 defense (Seattle Seahawks). Bleacher Report agrees and posted on Friday, “It will certainly be an event for the ages.”

If you’re away from home, fans can watch a free live stream of the 2014 Super Bowl on FOX Sports Go, but the same commercials won’t stream, according to Slate.com. The live stream will be available only on desktop computers and iPads, but not on smartphones.

Opera singer Renee Fleming will kick-off the 2014 Super Bowl at 6 p.m. EST by singing the national anthem. Bruno Mars and Red Hot Chili Peppers take the field at halftime for a 12-minute show.

Before the big game, the networks are airing a host of Super Bowl-themed TV specials. Below are a few of the better ones to watch before breaking out the bean dip, chips and adult beverages.

“NFL Honors”The night before Super Bowl XLVIII, the NFL will salute its best players and plays from the 2013 season with "NFL Honors," a 2-hour, star-studded football and entertainment event hosted by Alec Baldwin. Prestigious awards that will be announced on Saturday night include AP Most Valuable Player, Coach of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Rookies and Players of the Year, Fantasy Player of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Play of the Year and more.Date and time: Saturday, Feb. 1 from 8-10 p.m. EST on FOX.

“Puppy Bowl X”2014 marks the tenth anniversary of “Puppy Bowl” on Animal Planet. New additions this year include the launch of a Fantasy Puppy League venture, a halftime show starring YouTube sensation Keyboard Cat, online voting for the Bowl’s MVP and penguin cheerleaders. As revealed by "Rolling Stone" on Jan. 31, Keyboard Cat will perform the Bruno Mars' hit song "Locked Out of Heaven." In 2013, more than 12.4 million viewers tuned in to “Puppy Bowl,” making the annual event a pop culture phenomenon that raises awareness about homeless pet adoption. A total of 66 puppies, 30 untrained kittens, five penguins, three trained cats, eight tailgate party dogs, four service dogs, and six hamsters are all on the 2014 roster.Date and time: Sunday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. EST on Animal Planet. This year’s special will air six times over the course of 12 hours, starting at 3 p.m. ET, with new content added for each airing.

Super Bowl XLVIIIOpera singer Renee Fleming will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" at 6 p.m. EST to kick-off the 2014 Super Bowl. According to the “NY Times,” it will be the first time the anthem has been performed at the event by an opera singer. After the coin toss, the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks will hit the field aroud 6:25 p.m. Bruno Mars will take the stage at halftime. The Red Hot Chili Peppers will accompany the 28-year-old pop star from Hawaii. Pre-game performers include Queen Latifah, Phillip Phillips from “American Idol” and The Band Perry.Date and Time: Sunday, Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. EST on FOX.

Super Bowl Post Game ShowImmediately after the 2013 Super Bowl, FOX will offer extended post-game coverage with player interviews, recaps and highlights. Roger Goodell will present the Lombardi trophy to the winning team.

Below are some quick facts about the 2014 Super Bowl.

Place: Metlife Stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in N.J.

Kick-off time: 6:25 p.m. EST

A year of firsts: First Super Bowl to be played outdoors in a cold weather environment. The first in 38 years to be played outdoors on FieldTurf, and the first in which two US states (New York and New Jersey) will work together with hosting duties.

Halftime Show: Bruno Mars (with Red Hot Chili Peppers)

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Jackie Kass is a published magazine writer, copywriter and a freelance PR/publicity specialist who mentally plots how she would win "Survivor" despite her total lack of outdoor survival skills. She's also a busy mother of two who keeps track of all things pop culture in order to communicate with her teenage kids. You're welcome to send her an E-mail at jackiekass@bellsouth.net. You can follow Jackie on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jk590.